U.S. patent application number 14/728739 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-17 for external noise reduction of hvac system for a vehicle.
The applicant listed for this patent is THERMO KING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Michal Hegar, Arnost Hurych, Michal Kolda, Antonin Ryska.
Application Number | 20150258874 14/728739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40640709 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150258874 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hegar; Michal ; et
al. |
September 17, 2015 |
EXTERNAL NOISE REDUCTION OF HVAC SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
Abstract
A HVAC system for a vehicle that includes a propulsion system, a
frame, a passenger compartment, and a door coupled to the frame.
The HVAC system includes a refrigeration circuit that selectively
controls the temperature of the passenger compartment based on a
sensed temperature within the passenger compartment. The
refrigeration circuit includes an exterior heat exchanger, a first
air moving device coupled to the exterior heat exchanger, an
interior heat exchanger, a second air moving device coupled to the
interior heat exchanger, and a compressor. The HVAC system also
includes a controller that is operable to detect a condition of the
vehicle that includes at least one of a position of the door, a
location of the vehicle, and a load of the propulsion system. The
controller is programmed to adjust the refrigeration circuit in
response to the sensed passenger compartment temperature and the
detected vehicle condition.
Inventors: |
Hegar; Michal; (Prague,
CZ) ; Hurych; Arnost; (Prague, CZ) ; Kolda;
Michal; (Prague, CZ) ; Ryska; Antonin;
(Prague, CZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THERMO KING CORPORATION |
MINNEAPOLIS |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40640709 |
Appl. No.: |
14/728739 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13017896 |
Jan 31, 2011 |
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14728739 |
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11942980 |
Nov 20, 2007 |
7900462 |
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13017896 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/36 ;
62/133 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 2001/006 20130101;
B60H 1/3208 20130101; B60H 1/00828 20130101; B60H 1/00864 20130101;
B60H 1/00321 20130101; B60H 1/00507 20130101; B60H 1/00764
20130101; B60H 2001/3272 20130101; B60H 1/00371 20130101; B60H
1/00771 20130101; B60H 1/00007 20130101; B60H 2001/3266
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60H 1/00 20060101
B60H001/00 |
Claims
1.-24. (canceled)
25. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") system
for a vehicle including a propulsion system, a frame, a passenger
compartment, and a door coupled to the frame, the HVAC system
comprising: a refrigeration circuit configured to selectively
control the temperature of the passenger compartment, the
refrigeration circuit including: an exterior heat exchanger
supported by the frame, a first air moving device coupled to the
exterior heat exchanger for directing air across the exterior heat
exchanger, an interior heat exchanger supported by the frame and in
fluid communication with the exterior heat exchanger, a second air
moving device coupled to the interior heat exchanger for directing
air across the interior heat exchanger, and a compressor supported
by the frame and in fluid communication with the exterior heat
exchanger and the interior heat exchanger; a vehicle positioning
system configured to determine a location of the vehicle; and a
controller configured to switch an operation mode of the HVAC
system from a first operation mode to a reduced noise operation
mode based on the location of the vehicle determined by the vehicle
positioning system, the reduced noise operation mode being quieter
than the first operation mode.
26. The HVAC system of claim 25, wherein the controller is
configured to operate the HVAC system in the reduced noise
operation mode when the location of the vehicle is within a
predetermined distance from a first location.
27. The HVAC system of claim 25, wherein the controller is
configured to operate the HVAC system in the first operation mode
when the location of the vehicle is not within the predetermined
distance from the first location.
28. The HVAC system of claim 25, wherein the reduced noise
operation mode includes operating at least one of the first air
moving device, the second air moving device, and the compressor at
a lower speed than when operating in the first operation mode.
29. The HVAC system of claim 25, wherein the first operation mode
includes operating at least one of the first air moving device, the
second air moving device, and the compressor at a higher speed than
when operating in the reduced noise operation mode.
30. The HVAC system of claim 25, wherein the first location is a
freestanding structure.
31. The HVAC system of claim 25, wherein the vehicle positioning
system is configured to generate a signal indicative of the
proximity of the vehicle to the first location, and the controller
is configured to receive the signal and determine the operation
mode of the HVAC system based on the signal.
32. The HVAC system of claim 25, wherein the vehicle positioning
system includes a vehicle position sensor configured to monitor the
location of the vehicle.
33. The HVAC system of claim 32, wherein the vehicle position
sensor includes a global positioning system sensor.
34. A vehicle comprising: a frame; a propulsion system coupled to
the frame; a passenger compartment; a door coupled to the frame and
movable between an open position and a closed position to
selectively allow access to the passenger compartment; a heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") system operable in a
first operation mode and a reduced noise operation mode that is
quieter than the first operation mode, the HVAC system including a
refrigeration circuit configured to selectively control a
temperature within the passenger compartment; a vehicle positioning
system configured to determine a location of the vehicle; and a
controller configured to switch an operation mode of the HVAC
system from the first operation mode to the reduced noise operation
mode based on the location of the vehicle determined by the vehicle
positioning system.
35. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein the controller is configured
to operate the HVAC system in the reduced noise operation mode when
the location of the vehicle is within a predetermined distance from
a first location.
36. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein the controller is configured
to operate the HVAC system in the first operation mode when the
location of the vehicle is not within the predetermined distance
from the first location.
37. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein the reduced noise operation
mode includes operating at least one of the first air moving
device, the second air moving device, and the compressor at a lower
speed than when operating in the first operation mode.
38. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein the first operation mode
includes operating at least one of the first air moving device, the
second air moving device, and the compressor at a higher speed than
when operating in the reduced noise operation mode.
39. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein the first location is a
freestanding structure.
40. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein the vehicle positioning system
is configured to generate a signal indicative of the proximity of
the vehicle to the first location, and the controller is configured
to receive the signal and determine the operation mode of the HVAC
system based on the signal.
41. The vehicle of claim 34, wherein the vehicle positioning system
includes a vehicle position sensor configured to monitor the
location of the vehicle.
42. The vehicle of claim 41, wherein the vehicle position sensor
includes a global positioning system sensor.
43. A method of operating a vehicle, the vehicle including a
propulsion system, a frame, a passenger compartment, a door coupled
to the frame, a vehicle positioning system, a controller, and a
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") system that
includes a refrigeration circuit configured to control a
temperature within the passenger compartment, the refrigeration
circuit including an exterior heat exchanger, a first air moving
device directing air across the exterior heat exchanger, an
interior heat exchanger, a second air moving device for directing
air across the interior heat exchanger, and a compressor, the
method comprising: the vehicle positioning system determining a
location of the vehicle; and the controller switching an operation
mode of the HVAC system from a first operation mode to a reduced
noise operation mode based on the location of the vehicle
determined by the vehicle positioning system, the reduced noise
operation mode being quieter than the first operation mode.
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the controller
operating the HVAC system in the reduced noise operation mode when
the location of the vehicle is within a predetermined distance from
a first location.
45. The method of claim 43, further comprising the controller
operating the HVAC system in the first operation mode when the
location of the vehicle is not within the predetermined distance
from the first location.
46. The method of claim 43, wherein the reduced noise operation
mode includes operating at least one of the first air moving
device, the second air moving device, and the compressor at a lower
speed than when operating in the first operation mode.
47. The method of claim 43, wherein the first operation mode
includes operating at least one of the first air moving device, the
second air moving device, and the compressor at a higher speed than
when operating in the reduced noise operation mode.
48. The method of claim 43, wherein the first location is a
freestanding structure.
49. The method of claim 43, further comprising the vehicle
positioning system generating a signal indicative of the proximity
of the vehicle to the first location, and the controller receiving
the signal and determining the operation mode of the HVAC system
based on the signal.
50. The method of claim 43, wherein the vehicle positioning system
including a vehicle position sensor monitoring the location of the
vehicle.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein the vehicle position sensor
includes a global positioning system sensor.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning ("HVAC") system for a vehicle. More particularly,
the present invention relates to a HVAC system that includes a
refrigeration circuit and a controller programmed to adjust the
refrigeration circuit based on a condition of a vehicle.
[0002] Generally, vehicle HVAC systems include a condenser or gas
cooler, a compressor, an evaporator, and one or more fans that
direct air across the condenser or gas cooler and/or the
evaporator. Often, the main source of external noise for HVAC
systems is generated by operation of the fans. External noise
generated by the fans, or other components of the HVAC system, is
most noticeable when the vehicle is stationary and an engine of the
vehicle is idling.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, the invention provides an air
conditioning system for a vehicle that includes a propulsion
system, a frame, a passenger compartment, and a door coupled to the
frame. The air conditioning system includes a refrigeration circuit
and a controller. The refrigeration circuit is operable to
selectively control the temperature of the passenger compartment
based on a sensed temperature within the passenger compartment. The
refrigeration circuit includes an exterior heat exchanger that is
supported by the frame, a first air moving device that is coupled
to the exterior heat exchanger for directing air across the
exterior heat exchanger, an interior heat exchanger supported by
the frame and in fluid communication with the exterior heat
exchanger, a second air moving device coupled to the interior heat
exchanger for directing air across the interior heat exchanger, and
a compressor supported by the frame and in fluid communication with
the exterior heat exchanger and the interior heat exchanger. The
controller is operable to detect a condition of the vehicle that
includes at least one of a position of the door, a location of the
vehicle, and a load of the propulsion system. The controller is in
communication with the refrigeration circuit to adjust the
refrigeration circuit in response to the sensed temperature within
the passenger compartment and the detected condition of the
vehicle.
[0004] In another embodiment, the invention provides a vehicle that
includes a frame, a propulsion system coupled to the frame, a
passenger compartment, a door coupled to the frame and movable
between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow
access to the passenger compartment, and an air conditioning
system. The air conditioning system is operable in a first mode and
a second mode that is quieter than the first mode, and includes a
refrigeration circuit that is operable to selectively control the
temperature within the passenger compartment based on the sensed
temperature within the passenger compartment. The vehicle also
includes a sensor that senses a condition of the vehicle that
includes at least one of a position of the door, a location of the
vehicle, and a load of the propulsion system. The sensor also
generates a signal indicative of the vehicle condition. A
controller is disposed in the vehicle and is in communication with
the air conditioning system to regulate operation of the
refrigeration circuit in response to the sensed temperature of the
passenger compartment. The controller is further in communication
with the sensor to receive the signal indicative of the vehicle
condition and to selectively vary the air conditioning system
between the first mode and the second mode in response to the
signal indicative of the vehicle condition.
[0005] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method
of operating a vehicle. The method includes providing a passenger
compartment and an air conditioning system that has a refrigeration
circuit in the vehicle. The refrigeration circuit is operable to
control the temperature within the passenger compartment based on a
sensed temperature within the passenger compartment. The method
also includes initiating the air conditioning system and
selectively conditioning the passenger compartment using the
refrigeration circuit based on the sensed temperature within the
passenger compartment, sensing a condition of the vehicle that
includes at least one of a position of a door of the vehicle, a
location of the vehicle, and a load of a propulsion system of the
vehicle, and decreasing a speed of the refrigeration circuit in
response to the vehicle condition.
[0006] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of vehicle including a heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") system embodying the
present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the HVAC system of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram of the operation of one
embodiment of the HVAC system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0011] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary vehicle 10. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 is a mass-transit bus that
carries passengers (not shown) to one or more destinations. In
other embodiments, the vehicle 10 can be a school bus or other
commercial vehicle that carries passengers. Hereinafter, the term
"vehicle" shall be used to represent all such passenger vehicles,
and shall not be construed to limit the scope of the invention
solely to mass-transit buses.
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 show that the vehicle 10 includes a frame 15,
a passenger compartment 20 supported by the frame 15, wheels 25,
and a compartment 30. The frame 15 includes doors 35 that are
positioned on a side of the vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 1, a first
door 35 is located adjacent to a forward end of the vehicle 10, and
a second door 35 is positioned on the frame 15 toward a rearward
end of the vehicle 10. Each door 35 is movable between an open
position and a closed position to selectively allow access to the
passenger compartment 20.
[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 includes a door control
device 40 that is coupled to each door 35 (only one shown). The
door control device 40 is operable to move the doors 35 between the
respective open positions and closed positions. In some
embodiments, the door control device 40 is manually operated by an
operator of the vehicle 10 to open and close the doors 35. In other
embodiments, the door control device 40 can automatically open and
close the doors 35 (e.g., via electronic signals, etc.). In still
other embodiments, one door control device 40 can be provided for
each door 35 of the vehicle 10 to independently open and close each
door 35.
[0014] A door sensor 45 is coupled to each door 35 to sense when
one or all doors 35 are in the open position, and to generate a
signal indicative of the respective positions of the doors 35. For
example, the door sensor 45 can generate a first signal indicative
of one or all doors 35 in the open position, and can generate a
second signal indicative of the doors 35 in the closed
position.
[0015] Alternatively, no signal may be affirmatively generated by
the door sensor 45 when the doors 35 are in the closed position
(i.e., the sensor is "silent" when the doors 35 are in the closed
position). However, the silence of the door sensor 45 when the
doors 35 are closed can be indicative of the doors 35 in the closed
position. In some embodiments, one door sensor 45 may be coupled to
both or all doors 35. In other embodiments, a door sensor 45 may be
provided for each door 35 to independently sense the position of
the respective door 35.
[0016] The compartment 30 is located adjacent the rear end of the
vehicle 10 (FIG. 1), and includes a propulsion system 50 that is
coupled to the frame 15 to drive the wheels 25. In some
embodiments, the compartment 30 can be located in other locations
on the vehicle 10 (e.g., adjacent the forward end, etc.).
[0017] The propulsion system 50 (e.g., prime mover, engine, etc.)
can be an internal combustion engine, or alternatively, a hybrid
engine that includes an electrical power system coupled to an
internal combustion engine. In other embodiments, the propulsion
system 50 can be a fully electrical power system (e.g., battery
assembly) without a corresponding internal combustion engine.
Hereinafter, the term "propulsion system" shall be used to
represent all such propulsion systems, and shall not be construed
to limit the scope of the invention solely to internal combustion
engines.
[0018] Generally, the propulsion system 50 provides most, if not
all of the power to vehicle components and accessories, in addition
to powering the wheels 25, and includes an "off" state and an "on"
state. Generally, the vehicle 10 is operable at one or more speeds,
and the propulsion system 50 is the main driving component or
mechanism for the speed that the vehicle 10 travels. The propulsion
system 50 is further operable at relatively high loads and
relatively low loads. The load that the propulsion system 50 is
under is defined by the amount of work per time unit that must be
provided by the propulsion system 50 to move and operate the
vehicle 10. In other words, the load of the propulsion system 50 is
defined by the amount of output power that must be provided by the
propulsion system 50 to move and operate the vehicle 10. For
example, the propulsion system 50 is under relatively high loads
when the vehicle 10 is moving uphill or over rough terrain. The
propulsion system 50 is under relatively low loads when the vehicle
10 is moving downhill, when the vehicle 10 is moving over
relatively flat terrain, or when the propulsion system 50 is
idling. Generally, a change in the load of the propulsion system 50
can be indicated by a change in the output power of the propulsion
system 50 that is measured, for example, in kilowatts or
horsepower.
[0019] A sensor 55 is coupled to the propulsion system 50 to sense
a condition of the propulsion system 50, and to generate a signal
indicative of the propulsion system condition. In some embodiments,
the sensor 55 is configured to detect the load under which the
propulsion system 50 is operating. In these embodiments, the sensor
55 generates a signal indicative of the propulsion system load. In
other embodiments, the sensor 55 is configured to detect startup of
the propulsion system 50 from the "off" state.
[0020] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 also
includes a vehicle positioning system 60 that is operable to detect
a position or location of the vehicle 10. Generally, the vehicle
positioning system 60 includes a vehicle position sensor 65 that
determines the position of the vehicle 10 relative to an object or
freestanding structure (e.g., a building, a bus-stop, etc.). The
vehicle position sensor 65 is operable to determine the proximity
or distance of the vehicle 10 to the freestanding structure, and is
further operable to generate a signal indicative of the proximity
of the vehicle 10 relative to the freestanding structure. In some
embodiments, the vehicle position sensor 65 can be a global
positioning system sensor in communication with a global
positioning system (not shown) that determines the location of the
vehicle 10 relative to a freestanding structure. The vehicle
positioning system 60 may also be used to determine the location of
the vehicle 10 independent of the proximity of the vehicle 10 to a
freestanding structure.
[0021] The vehicle 10 also includes a vehicle control system 70, a
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") system 75, and
an interface or controller 80 in communication with the vehicle
control system 70 and the HVAC system 75. The vehicle control
system 70 can be located anywhere on the vehicle 10, and is in
communication electrical and/or mechanical components (not shown)
of the vehicle 10. The vehicle control system 70 is also in
communication with the door control device 40, the propulsion
system 50, and the vehicle positioning system 60 to receive the
respective signals from the door sensor 45, the sensor 55, and the
vehicle position sensor 65. Generally, the positions of the doors
35, the condition of the propulsion system 50, and the proximity of
the vehicle 10 relative to a freestanding structure are defined as
conditions of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, additional
vehicle conditions of the vehicle 10 may also be sensed by one or
more sensors.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows that the HVAC system 75 is attached to the
frame 15 on a roof 85 of the vehicle 10. FIG. 2 shows that the HVAC
system 75 includes a refrigeration circuit 90 and an HVAC control
system 95. The refrigeration circuit 90 is operable at various
capacities, ranging from a zero capacity in an "off" state to a
full capacity in an "on" state. The capacity of the refrigeration
circuit 90 is the capacity at which the refrigeration circuit 90 is
able to cool air that enters the passenger compartment 20.
[0023] A full capacity of the refrigeration circuit 90 corresponds
to a first or normal mode of the HVAC system 75, and a reduced
capacity (i.e., a capacity that is less than full capacity) of the
refrigeration circuit 90 corresponds to a second or reduced noise
mode of the HVAC system 75. Generally, the speed of one or more
HVAC system components in the second mode are slower than the speed
of the same components in the first mode, and operation of the HVAC
system 75 in the second mode reduces perceived noise that emanates
from the HVAC system 75. For example, when the HVAC system 75
operates at full capacity (i.e., in the first mode), the
refrigeration circuit 90 operates at a speed that is generally
necessary to maintain a predetermined temperature within the
passenger compartment 20. When the HVAC system 75 operates at a
reduced capacity (i.e., in the second mode), the refrigeration
circuit 90 operates at a speed that is slower than the necessary
speed to maintain the predetermined temperature of the passenger
compartment 20. The HVAC system 75 is generally operable in the
second mode only for a limited time based on the sensed vehicle
conditions.
[0024] The first mode is indicative of a first, normal noise level
of the HVAC system 75 that is based on noise produced by one or
more of the refrigeration components. The second mode is indicative
of a second, reduced noise level of the HVAC system 75. Thus,
operation of the HVAC system 75 in the second mode is quieter than
operation in the first mode, and which corresponds to reduced noise
operation of the HVAC system 75. In other words, when the capacity
of the refrigeration circuit 90 is reduced, the sound emitted by
the HVAC system 75 is likewise reduced.
[0025] The refrigeration circuit 90 is a vehicle HVAC circuit that
is operable to control a temperature of the passenger compartment
20 based on the temperature that is sensed within the passenger
compartment 20 by one or more sensors (not shown). The
refrigeration circuit includes an exterior heat exchanger 100, an
interior heat exchanger 105, a compressor 110, a first air moving
device 115, and a second air moving device 120. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first and second air moving devices 115, 120 are
fans. The refrigeration circuit 90 may also include additional
components (not shown). A refrigerant flows through the
refrigeration components to provide temperature-controlled air to
the passenger compartment 20.
[0026] The speed of the refrigeration circuit 90 is defined as the
speed of refrigerant flow through the exterior heat exchanger 100
and/or the interior heat exchanger 105. The speed of the
refrigeration circuit 90 can be also defined as the speed of the
compressor 110, the speed of the first air moving device 115,
and/or the speed of the second air moving device 120, in addition
to the speed of other components of the refrigeration circuit
90.
[0027] In some constructions, the exterior heat exchanger 100 cools
heated refrigerant that flows from the compressor 110 in a cooling
mode of the refrigeration circuit 90. The exterior heat exchanger
100 may include a gas cooler, or alternatively a condenser,
depending on the type of refrigerant routed through the
refrigeration circuit 90. In other constructions, the exterior heat
exchanger 100 heats cooled refrigerant in a heating mode of the
refrigeration circuit 90.
[0028] Although not shown, the interior heat exchanger 105 (e.g.,
evaporator, etc.) is in fluid communication with the exterior heat
exchanger 100 to receive cooled refrigerant and to transfer heat
from air passing over the interior heat exchanger 105 to the
refrigerant prior to the air entering the passenger compartment 20.
The compressor 110 is in fluid communication with the exterior heat
exchanger 100 and the interior heat exchanger 105 to compress
heated refrigerant received from the interior heat exchanger 105
and to provide refrigerant flow throughout the refrigeration
circuit 90. The speed of the compressor 110 is variable based in
part on a desired pressure of the refrigerant within the
refrigeration circuit 90.
[0029] Generally, the first and second air moving devices 115, 120
include fans or blowers that direct airflow across one or more
components of the refrigeration circuit 90. The first air moving
device 115 is coupled to the exterior heat exchanger 100, and the
speed of the first air moving device 115 is variable based on
desired airflow across the exterior heat exchanger 100. The first
air moving device 115 generally directs air across the exterior
heat exchanger 100 to cool heated, compressed refrigerant that
flows from the compressor 110.
[0030] The second air moving device 120 is coupled to the interior
heat exchanger 105, and the speed of the second air moving device
120 is variable based on desired airflow across the interior heat
exchanger 105. The second air moving device 120 generally directs
air across the interior heat exchanger 105 to cool air entering the
passenger compartment 20 via heat transfer with cool refrigerant
flowing through the interior heat exchanger 105.
[0031] The HVAC control system 95 is in communication with the
compressor 110 to control compressor capacity, and is in
communication with the first and second air moving devices 115, 120
to control the speed of the first and second air moving devices
115, 120. The HVAC control system 95 is operable to vary the
refrigeration circuit 90 between an "off" state and an "on" state,
and to further control the capacity of the refrigeration circuit 90
based in part on the desired temperature of the passenger
compartment 20, and further based on ambient conditions adjacent to
the HVAC system 75.
[0032] The HVAC control system 95 is also in communication with an
evaporator sensor 125, a compressor sensor 130, and a refrigerant
cooling device sensor 135. The HVAC control system 95 may also be
in communication with other sensors (not shown) that are coupled to
components of the refrigeration circuit 90. The evaporator sensor
125 is coupled to the interior heat exchanger 105 to sense a
temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the interior heat
exchanger 105, and to generate a signal indicative of the
refrigerant temperature. In other embodiments, the evaporator
sensor can sense the temperature of air flowing over the interior
heat exchanger 105. In still other embodiments, the evaporator can
sense a pressure of refrigerant that flows through the interior
heat exchanger 105.
[0033] The compressor sensor 130 is coupled to the compressor 110
to sense a pressure of refrigerant that flows through the
compressor 110. In some embodiments, the compressor sensor 130 can
monitor the pressure of the refrigerant that enters the compressor
110 (i.e., the suction pressure). In other embodiments, the
compressor sensor 130 can monitor the pressure of refrigerant that
exits the compressor 110 (i.e., the discharge pressure). In still
other embodiments, the compressor sensor 130 may be configured to
sense the discharge pressure and the suction pressure of the
refrigerant flowing through the compressor 110.
[0034] The refrigerant cooling device sensor 135 is coupled to the
exterior heat exchanger 100 to sense a temperature of refrigerant
exiting the exterior heat exchanger 100, and to generate a signal
indicative of the sensed temperature. In some embodiments, the
refrigerant cooling device sensor 135 can be located in a
refrigeration line (not shown) that is proximate to and downstream
of the exterior heat exchanger 100.
[0035] The controller 80 is disposed in the vehicle 10, and
generally can be located anywhere on the vehicle 10. The controller
80 is in communication with the vehicle control system 70 and the
HVAC system 75 to monitor conditions of the vehicle 10 and the HVAC
system 75, and to control the HVAC system 75 in response to the
sensed temperature within the passenger compartment 20 and the
sensed vehicle conditions. In some embodiments, the controller 80
can be a stand-alone controller 80 in addition to the vehicle
control system 70 and the HVAC control system 95. In other
embodiments, the vehicle control system 70 and/or the HVAC control
system 95 can be a part of or subsumed in the controller 80.
[0036] The vehicle conditions sensed by the door sensor 45, the
sensor 55, and the vehicle position sensor 65 are communicated to
the controller 80 via the vehicle control system 70 to enable the
controller 80 to selectively vary the HVAC system 75 between the
first mode and the second mode via the HVAC control system 95. The
conditions of the refrigeration circuit 90 sensed by the evaporator
sensor 125, the compressor sensor 130, and the refrigerant cooling
device sensor 135 are communicated to the controller 80 via the
HVAC control system 95 to enable the controller 80 to monitor the
conditions and capacity of the refrigeration circuit 90.
[0037] In operation, the controller 80 receives the signals
indicative of the vehicle conditions and the signals indicative of
the conditions of the refrigeration circuit 90 from the respective
sensors, and monitors and controls the HVAC system 75 based on
these signals. The controller 80 operates the HVAC system 75 in the
second mode when the sensed vehicle conditions indicate that the
vehicle 10 is stopped, the propulsion system 50 is operating under
a relatively high load, and/or the vehicle 10 is located in close
proximity to a freestanding structure.
[0038] The proximity of the vehicle 10 relative to the freestanding
structure is determined by the vehicle positioning system 60, and
is communicated to the controller 80 via the vehicle control system
70. Generally, the proximity of the vehicle 10 relative to the
freestanding structure is based on the distance between the vehicle
10 and the freestanding structure. The vehicle position sensor 65
detects the position of the vehicle 10 and generates a signal that
is indicative of the proximity of the vehicle 10 relative to the
freestanding structure. When the distance between the vehicle 10
and the freestanding structure is less than or equal to a
predetermined distance (e.g., 10 meters, 50 meters, etc.), the
controller 80 determines that the vehicle 10 is in close proximity
to the freestanding structure. When the distance between the
vehicle 10 and the freestanding structure is greater than the
predetermined distance, the controller 80 determines that the
vehicle 10 is not in close proximity to the freestanding structure
and is located away from the structure.
[0039] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may be considered in
close proximity to the freestanding structure based on the distance
between the vehicle 10 and the freestanding structure, and further
based on the time period that the vehicle 10 is located at a
distance that is less than or equal to the predetermined distance
from the freestanding structure. In other embodiments, the
controller 80 may determine that the vehicle 10 is in close
proximity to the freestanding structure when the distance between
the vehicle 10 and the freestanding structure is less than the
predetermined distance, and that the vehicle is not in close
proximity when the distance is greater than or equal to the
predetermined distance.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of operation of the vehicle 10
using the controller 80. The controller 80 initiates the HVAC
system 75 at step 200 after the propulsion system 50 has been
started. In some embodiments, the HVAC system 75 may be
self-initiated by the HVAC control system 95 after startup of the
propulsion system 50. After initiation, the HVAC system 75 is
operated in the first mode. The flow of refrigerant through the
refrigeration circuit 90 and the capacity of the refrigeration
circuit 90 can be controlled by the controller 80 and/or the HVAC
control system 95 based on the signals received from the evaporator
sensor 125, the compressor sensor 130, and the refrigerant cooling
device sensor 135, and further based on the signals indicative of
the vehicle conditions (e.g., sensed temperature) and the desired
conditions (e.g., desired temperature) of the passenger compartment
20.
[0041] At step 205, the vehicle conditions are sensed by the door
sensor 45, the sensor 55, and the vehicle position sensor 65. The
controller 80 receives the signals indicative of the respective
vehicle conditions that are generated by the sensors 45, 55, 65. At
step 210, the controller 80 determines whether the HVAC system 75
should be operated in the second mode. Generally, the signals
received by the controller 80 indicating that the HVAC system 75
should be operated in the second mode (e.g., one or more doors 35
are open, the vehicle 10 is located in close proximity to a
freestanding structure, the propulsion system 50 is operating under
a relatively high load, the vehicle is moving at a relatively slow
speed, etc.) are signals indicative of a first vehicle condition.
The signals received by the controller 80 indicating that the HVAC
system 75 should be operated in the first mode (e.g., the doors 35
are closed, the vehicle is a predetermined distance from the
freestanding structure, the propulsion system 50 is operating under
a relatively low load, etc.) are generally signals indicative of a
second vehicle condition.
[0042] At step 215, the HVAC system 75 continues to be operated in
the first mode by the controller 80 when all of the sensed vehicle
conditions are indicative of a second vehicle condition (i.e., "No"
at step 210). Operation of the vehicle 10 then returns to step
205.
[0043] At step 220, the controller 80 determines whether the
refrigerant pressure (e.g., the discharge pressure, the suction
pressure) sensed by the compressor sensor 130 is greater than a
predetermined pressure when one or more of the sensed vehicle
conditions indicate that the HVAC system 75 should be operated in
the second mode (i.e., "Yes" at step 210). If the refrigerant
pressure sensed by the compressor sensor 130 is greater than the
predetermined pressure (i.e., "Yes" at step 220), operation of the
HVAC system 75 returns to step 215 and the controller 80 continues
to operate the HVAC system 75 in the first mode regardless of the
sensed vehicle conditions. In some embodiments, the HVAC system 75
can continue to be operated in the first mode when the refrigerant
discharge pressure is equal to or greater than the predetermined
pressure.
[0044] Generally, the controller 80 monitors the sensed refrigerant
pressure to provide an override control to operation of the HVAC
system 75 in the second mode. The controller 80 overrides the
signals that indicate the HVAC system 75 should be operated in the
second mode when the signal from the compressor sensor 130
indicates that the refrigerant pressure exceeds the predetermined
pressure. This override protects the structural integrity of the
refrigeration circuit 90 and prevents conditions in the passenger
compartment 20 from becoming undesirable.
[0045] If the refrigerant pressure sensed by the compressor sensor
130 at step 220 is less than or equal to the predetermined pressure
(i.e., "No" at step 220), the controller 80 varies the HVAC system
75 from the first mode to the second mode at step 225 to decrease
the speed of the refrigeration circuit 90 such that the noise
output of the HVAC system 75 is reduced. The speed of the
refrigeration circuit 90 is decreased by decreasing the speed of
one or more of the refrigeration components (e.g., the compressor
110, the first air moving device 115, the second air moving device
120, etc.).
[0046] In some embodiments, the controller 80 decreases the speed
of the compressor 110, the first air moving device 115, or the
second air moving device 120 in response to the vehicle conditions
indicating that the HVAC system 75 should be operated in the second
mode. For example, the controller 80 can be programmed to decrease
the speed of the first air moving device 115 to reduce the noise
output of the HVAC system 75 without decreasing the speed of the
compressor 110 or the second air moving device 120. Similarly, the
controller 80 may be programmed to decrease the speed of the
compressor 110, or alternatively the second air moving device 120,
to reduce the noise output of the HVAC system 75 without decreasing
the speed of the other refrigeration components.
[0047] In other embodiments, the controller 80 may decrease the
speed of the compressor 110, the first air moving device 115, and
the second air moving device 120 (i.e., all three components) to
reduce the noise output of the HVAC system 75. In still other
embodiments, the controller 80 may be programmed to decrease the
speed of the compressor 110, the first air moving device 115,
and/or the second air moving device 120. For example, the
controller 80 may decrease the speed of the first air moving device
115 and the second air moving device 120, but not the speed of the
compressor 110. Instead, the controller 80 may decrease the speed
of the compressor 110 and the first air moving device 115, but not
the speed of the second air moving device 120. Similarly, the
controller 80 may decrease the speed of the compressor 110 and the
second air moving device 120 without decreasing the speed of the
first air moving device 115. Generally, the controller 80 can be
programmed to decrease the speed of any combination of the
compressor 110, the first air moving device 115, and the second air
moving device 120 to facilitate a reduction of noise output by the
HVAC system 75. In other embodiments, the controller 80 may be
programmed to decrease the speed of other components of the
refrigeration circuit 90.
[0048] At step 230, the vehicle conditions are again sensed by the
door sensor 45, the sensor 55, and the vehicle position sensor 65.
The signals indicative of the respective vehicle conditions are
received by the controller 80, which determines at step 235 whether
all of the sensed vehicle conditions indicate that the HVAC system
75 should be operated in the first mode. If one or more of the
vehicle conditions indicate that the HVAC system 75 should continue
to operate in the second mode (i.e., "No" at step 235), the
controller 80 again determines whether the refrigerant pressure
sensed by the compressor sensor 130 is greater than the
predetermined pressure at step 240.
[0049] At step 245, the HVAC system 75 continues to be operated by
the controller 80 in the second mode when the refrigerant pressure
sensed by the compressor sensor 130 is less than or equal to the
predetermined pressure (i.e., "No" at step 240). The refrigeration
circuit 90 continues to be operated at the decreased speed such
that the noise output of the HVAC system 75 is continues to be
quieter than the noise output when the HVAC system 75 is operated
in the first mode. Operation of the vehicle 10 then returns to step
230.
[0050] If the refrigerant pressure sensed by the compressor sensor
130 is greater than the predetermined pressure (i.e., "Yes" at step
240), the controller 80 varies the HVAC system 75 from the second
mode to the first mode at step 250 to increase the speed of the
refrigeration circuit 90 to a full capacity speed. The speed of the
refrigeration circuit 90 is increased by increasing the speed of
one or more of the refrigeration components (e.g., the compressor
110, the first air moving device 115, the second air moving device
120, etc.). In some embodiments, the HVAC system 75 can be varied
to operation in the first mode when the refrigerant discharge
pressure is equal to or greater than the predetermined
pressure.
[0051] When all of the sensed vehicle conditions indicate that the
HVAC system 75 should be operated in the first mode (i.e., "Yes" at
step 235), the controller 80 varies the HVAC system 75 from the
second mode to the first mode at step 250. The switching of the
HVAC system 75 from the second mode to the first mode increases the
speed of the refrigeration circuit 90. The increased speed of the
refrigeration circuit 90, relative to the speed at which the
refrigeration circuit 90 had been operating with the HVAC system 75
in the second mode, allows the HVAC system 75 to operate at full
capacity. In some embodiments, the controller 80 may initiate a
predetermined delay in response to the sensed vehicle condition and
prior to varying the HVAC system 75 from the second mode to the
first mode. Generally, the speed of the refrigeration circuit 90 is
increased by increasing the speed of the refrigeration component or
components that were previously operated at a decreased speed.
[0052] For example, if the speed of the compressor 110 was
previously decreased such that the HVAC system 75 is operating in
the second mode, varying the HVAC system 75 from the second mode to
the first mode increases the speed of the compressor 110. If the
speed of the first air moving device 115 had been previously
decreased, varying the HVAC system 75 from the second mode to the
first mode increases the speed of the first air moving device 115.
If the speed of the second air moving device 120 had been
previously decreased, varying the HVAC system 75 from the second
mode to the first mode increases the speed of the second air moving
device 120. If the speed of two or more components (e.g., the
compressor 110 and the first air moving device 115, etc.) had been
previously decreased, varying the HVAC system 75 from the second
mode to the first mode increases the speed of these components.
[0053] In some embodiments, each signal indicative of a vehicle
condition is independent from the remaining signals indicative of
the vehicle conditions such that the controller 80 selectively
operates the HVAC system 75 in the second mode in response to one
vehicle condition regardless or independent of the other sensed
vehicle conditions. Generally, when the respective independent
signal indicative of the first vehicle condition has been generated
(e.g., one or more of the doors 35 are in the open position, the
vehicle 10 is located in close proximity to a freestanding
structure, the propulsion system 50 is under a high load, or the
vehicle 10 is operating at a relatively slow speed, etc.), the
controller 80 varies the HVAC system 75 from the first mode to the
second mode regardless of other signals. When the respective
independent signal indicative of the first vehicle condition has
cleared (e.g., the doors 35 are closed, the vehicle 10 is no longer
located in close proximity to a freestanding structure, the
propulsion system 50 is operating under a high load, or the vehicle
10 is operating at a relatively fast speed, etc.), the controller
80 varies the HVAC system 75 from the second mode to the first mode
regardless of other signals. In other words, when the respective
independent signal indicative of the second vehicle condition is
generated, the controller 80 varies the HVAC system 75 from the
second mode to the first mode regardless of other signals.
[0054] For example, when the door sensor 45 senses one door 35 in
the open position (i.e., the first vehicle condition), the
controller 80 can vary the HVAC system 75 from the first mode to
the second mode. When the previously opened door 35 is sensed by
the door sensor 45 in the closed position (i.e., the second vehicle
condition), the door sensor 45 generates a signal indicative of the
changed condition. The controller 80 receives the signal indicative
of the door 35 in the closed position and can vary the HVAC system
75 from the second mode to the first mode regardless of the signals
from the sensor 55 and the vehicle position sensor 65.
[0055] Likewise, the controller 80 can vary the HVAC system 75 from
the first mode to the second mode independent of the signals from
the door sensor 45 and the vehicle position sensor 65 when the
sensor 55 senses that the propulsion system 50 has just been
started or is operating under a high load, or that the vehicle 10
is operating at a relatively slow speed. The controller 80 can vary
the HVAC system 75 from the second mode to the first mode
regardless of other sensed vehicle conditions when the sensor 55
senses that propulsion system 50 has warmed up or is operating at a
relatively low load, or the vehicle 10 is operating at a relatively
fast speed.
[0056] With regard to sensing the location of the vehicle 10 using
the vehicle position sensor 65, the controller 80 can vary the HVAC
system 75 from the first mode to the second mode when the vehicle
10 is sensed to be in close proximity to a freestanding structure
independent of the signals from the door sensor 45 and the sensor
55. The controller 80 can vary the HVAC system 75 from the second
mode to the first mode regardless of other sensed vehicle
conditions when the vehicle position sensor 65 senses that the
vehicle 10 is no longer in close proximity to the freestanding
structure.
[0057] In other embodiments, the signals indicative of the
respective vehicle conditions work in combination with each other
such that the controller 80 selectively varies the HVAC system 75
between the first mode and the second mode based on the various
combinations of the signals. In these embodiments, when at least
one sensor 45, 55, 65 senses a vehicle condition indicative of a
first vehicle condition, the controller 80 varies the HVAC system
75 from the first mode to the second mode. Any combination of the
signals indicative of the first vehicle condition cause the
controller 80 to operate the HVAC system 75 in the second mode.
Thus, if one, two, or more sensors detect a first vehicle
condition, the HVAC system 75 is operated in the second mode.
However, in these embodiments, the controller 80 does not vary the
HVAC system 75 from the second mode to the first mode until all
signals indicative of the first vehicle conditions have cleared
(i.e., all sensors generate signals indicative of a second vehicle
condition).
[0058] In still other embodiments, when two or more sensors 45, 55,
65 generate signals indicative of respective first vehicle
conditions, the controller 80 can vary the HVAC system 75 from the
first mode to the second mode. In these embodiments, the controller
80 can vary the HVAC system 75 from the second mode to the first
mode when any or all of the signals indicative of the first vehicle
condition have cleared. In other words, operation of the HVAC
system 75 is changed from the second mode to the first mode when at
least one of the sensors that previously generated a signal
indicative of a first vehicle condition generates a signal
indicative of a second vehicle condition.
[0059] In hybrid vehicle applications, the sensor 55 senses the
load of the propulsion system 50 and the controller 80 determines
whether the propulsion system load is above a predetermined value
that corresponds to the power necessary for the vehicle 10 to
adequately operate (e.g., move up a hill, etc.). When the
propulsion system 50 needs additional power (e.g., from a battery
pack, etc.) to facilitate adequate movement of the vehicle 10, the
controller 80 can provide additional power to the propulsion system
50 by reducing power consumption of other components of the vehicle
10. For example, the controller 80 can decrease the speed of the
refrigeration circuit 90 by operating the HVAC system 75 in the
second mode, which decreases power consumption by the HVAC system
75 and allows a portion of the power originally supplied to the
HVAC system 75 to be directed to the propulsion system 50 so that
the propulsion system 50 has adequate power to operate. When the
propulsion system 50 no longer needs the additional power, the
controller 80 can direct the power back to the HVAC system 75 and
operate the HVAC system 75 in the first mode.
[0060] Various features and advantages of the invention are set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *